Cape Classics welcomes another addition to its range of premium wines: Lourensford “The Dome” Chardonnay. Now available in New York through MS Walker, and soon to launch in other major markets this spring, “The Dome” joins Cape Classics’ award-winning portfolio of over 20 brands of South African and French offerings.
As the highest peak of South Africa’s Helderberg Mountain, the Dome creates a natural amphitheater where the Lourensford vineyards are situated. Climbed by winemaker Hannes Nel, this mountaintop serves as the inspiration behind “The Dome” Chardonnay.
“Growing up in the countryside of Moorreesburg, South Africa, I developed a love for nature and the outdoors, and as a winemaker I strive to impart all of the characteristics of the land into the wines I produce,” commented Hannes Nel, vintner at the Lourensford Estate. “Grown in harmony with South Africa’s biodiversity—a key component behind this quality Chardonnay—‘The Dome’ is a true labor of love and an ideal representation of the region.”
The Dome overlooks the valley below where the vines grow in close proximity to the Lourens River at 656 feet above sea level. The result of the combination of Tukulu soils and this unique microclimate is a luxurious, full bodied Chardonnay that is decadent yet refined with a substantial palate of tropical fruit with a caramel, nutty undertone. The Dome is ideal for buyers and consumers who are passionate about the fruit in California Chardonnays yet crave Burgundian elegance and complexity. Lourensford, situated in the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest yet most diverse of the six plant kingdoms, is dedicated to preserving its rich biodiversity, which is essentially the health of the overall ecosystem. The winery’s commitment is depicted in the packaging through the illustrative version of the Dome and the flora and fauna that inhabit it. The distinct yellow capsule is meant to draw attention to the bottle while complimenting the more subtle colors used on the label.
“The 2013 vintage is the first for ‘The Dome’ Chardonnay and our first project with the prestigious and renowned Lourensford winery,” mentioned Robert Bradshaw, Cape Classics President. “The Cape Classics portfolio is a collection of wines that are authentic. Inside this bottle is a story of discovery, passion and authenticity that transcends conventional concepts about wine. We’re thrilled to be working with this new offering that shares a similar passion rooted in the ‘quality first’ mantra that is the hallmark of our selections.”
The 2013 Lourensford “The Dome” Chardonnay is available at an SRP of $19.99, filling a price point gap for the varietal in the Cape Classics portfolio.
About Cape Classics
Cape Classics was co-founded by Andre Shearer in 1992 with a mission of bringing the crème de la crème of South Africa’s then-fledgling boutique wine industry to the American market. In 2013, Cape Classics expanded its portfolio to include wines from France, and now proudly represents 26 of the finest estates and labels from the regions. Cape Classics’ mission is to provide a unique range of selections that are exciting and delicious and that offer outstanding value.
